I've seen this before, and it does make an interesting shot. When I have observed this behaviour before, it appeared to be to break some threads of spider silk on the wings (after a brief encounter with a web), but I can't be sure that this is why it was doing it.
Certainly interesting, I too have seen this but no idea why... would have perhaps liked an more parallel
view to get more in focus but appreciate you where probably not expecting this behaviour and therefore not fully positioned.
Posted by Elliott Neep on June 12, 2008 at 11:01 AM
A local bug boffin (in my local haunt) said the jury was out, but had something to do with signalling to rivals. They also use the clasp on the end to pick of parasitic mites apparently. Really like this. The image has a perfect balance between environment and subject isolation. Great composition. Beautiful.
I'm torn on this one Tim.
Subject and behavior are well caught but the light plant stem in the center is ruining the shot for me, simply because it's what I see first every time I open this shot.
Discussion
8 repliesTim
D3, 150mm, 1/500th at F/9, ISO 800
Greg
Interesting pose, but I have no idea why! Lovely capture! Great composition!
Matt
view to get more in focus but appreciate you where probably not expecting this behaviour and therefore not fully positioned.
Alan
Subject and behavior are well caught but the light plant stem in the center is ruining the shot for me, simply because it's what I see first every time I open this shot.
John